Human Rights

Key Concepts (Polity)

by Michael Freeman

Human Rights is an introductory text that is both innovative and challenging. Its unique interdisciplinary approach invites students to think imaginatively and rigorously about one of the most important and influential political concepts of our time. Tracing the history of the concept, the book shows that there are fundamental tensions between legal, philosophical and social-scientific approaches to human rights. This analysis throws light on some of the most controversial issues in the Is the idea of the universality of human rights consistent with respect for cultural difference? Are there collective human rights? What are the underlying causes of human-rights violations? And why do some countries have much worse human-rights records than others? The third edition has been substantially revised and updated to take account of recent developments, including the ‘Arab Spring’, the civil war in Syria, the refugee crisis, ISIS and international terrorism, and climate change politics. Widely admired and assigned for its clarity and comprehensiveness, this book remains a ‘go-to’ text for students in the social sciences, as well as students of human-rights law who want an introduction to the non-legal aspects of their subject.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academic, Philosophy, Social Science, Law

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2002

About the author

Michael D.A. Freeman is Professor of English Law at University College London.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/people/pro...

Alternative Names
Freeman, M. D. A. 1943-
Freeman, M. D. A. (Michael D. A.)
Freeman, M. D. A. (Michael David Alan), 1943-
Freeman, Michael D., 1943-
Freeman, Michael D. A. (Michael David Alan), 1943-
Freeman, Michael David Alan, 1943-

Reviews

[xenya]

i thought this book was going to be so interesting and stimulating given its subject matter (!), but i just found it boring and poorly written and demeaning towards the reader. dnf :/

[Jade]

Writing style and organization was wack, but it still had very interesting points and added a new outlook on the theory of human rights for me

[Isabel Schmieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was read for my Global Topics: International Human Rights course at NYU.

Being the first book we read for this class, I thought Freeman provided a very comprehensive view of human rights and all of its aspects. Each chapter focused on a specific topic, providing several examples, authors, and outside texts. Though stocked full of information, I didn't find it to be overwhelming. It was a pleasant introduction to the world of human rights.

[Tristan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Najciekawsza w tym opracowaniu była geneza praw człowieka oraz NGOs'y i nauki społeczne w odniesieniu do tych praw. Reszta...przeczytałem, ale nie wiem, czy coś zrozumiałem xd.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good in terms of getting a holistic view of human rights theory and approaches to the topic. Author definitely comes at it with his opinion, but presents all views objectively.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave a thorough overview of human rights, I highly recommend this monograph to all serious students of human rights.

[Busola]

yet to read